Family-Style, Kid-Friendly Vacations in Yellowstone National Park

Before the kids get too big and obsessed with their friends, personal fashion and Smartphones, parents may want to consider taking one last family adventure together. There is no better way for families to bond than over wildlife and nature, both of which Yellowstone is abundant in.

What are some of the best activities and sites for children, adolescents and teens visiting Yellowstone?

Dragon’s Mouth Spring – With spitting steam, constant growls and disturbing thumbs, young children will enjoy believing that this dark crevasse is inhabited by a mystical, mysterious dragon. After all, sometimes a little imagination and a dose of “Harry Pottery” magic are healthy.

Fishing Cone – The legend says that trappers and explorers would catch fish in the lake, put them directly into the steam of the Fishing Cone geyser and their trout would be boiled and cooked within minutes. Whether this legend holds true is a mystery, but it makes for an amazing tall tale.

Fountain Paint Pots – A childhood favorite, this half-mile trek winds past a variety of bubbling mud pots, geysers, fumaroles and hot springs. A popular attraction for families, children are left in awe of the colorful mud pots and children’s screams of glee can be heard for miles around.

Animals – The warning signs in Yellowstone are very clear about animal goring and the danger of approaching wild animals. Children tend to downplay dangers until they see brightly colored warning signs adorning the park. Children can see badgers, wolves, moose, grizzly bears, moose, buffalo and many more wild animals in their natural habitats.

Junior Ranger Program – Yellowstone attempts to get youth involved in ecology, wildlife, hiking, geology and education. Upon completing the program, children receive a Junior Ranger patch.

Stagecoach Rides – An ode to turn of the century transportation, stagecoach rides afford children the ability to experience a ride in an old stagecoach, much like how life and transportation were in the old west more than 100 years ago.

Grand Prismatic Spring – Adorning Yellowstone’s travel books and awing children for decades, this vivid, colorful steaming pool of water is in the largest hot spring in the U.S. With colors ranging from red, orange, yellow and green to blue, this spring affords an interesting lesson in biology, as bacteria living in the water produce the colors.

Old Faithful – This is the most popular site in Yellowstone; however, its faithful eruptions – approximately every 90 minutes – have made this a benchmark must see geyser for dozens of years. At a height of 185 feet, this geyser shoots nearly 8,000 gallons of hot water upwards and is one of the most filmed attractions in the park.

Yellowstone Holiday is located nearby Yellowstone Park. They offer affordable lodging near Yellowstone National Park, including log cabins at Hebgen Lake and RV parks in West Yellowstone.